The palm oil industry has grown rapidly in recent decades, and with that growth has come significant negative effects to fragile forest ecosystems. A report from United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) explains palm oil plantations’ impact on the environment and highlights the resulting destruction of great ape habitats across Southeast Asia and Africa.

“The conservation community cannot afford to sit on the fence with the issues posed by oil palm developments,” the report states. “A strong consensus must be reached on whether the community wants to reject the industry because of its negative impact on ecosystems and wildlife, or if it can accept to co-exist if certain conditions are in place.”